The Standards Commission for Scotland

The
Standards
Commission is an independent statutory body which has
responsibility for enforcing compliance with the Codes of Conduct
and providing general guidance on their interpretation. It
adjudicates on cases of alleged contravention of the Codes of
Conduct referred to it after investigation by the Commissioner and,
where a hearing is held, has the power to impose sanctions. The
Standards Commission has responsibility for various aspects of the
ethical framework including:

adjudicating on cases of alleged contravention of the Codes
of Conduct for Members of Devolved Public Bodies reported to it
by the Commissioner following investigation of a complaint;

promoting and enforcing Codes of Conduct and providing
guidance on the operation of Registers of Interests;

The
Standards
Commission can also consider particular circumstances where it
would be contrary to the spirit of the Code for it to be applied.
In exceptional circumstances, it can issue dispensations to allow
Members of public bodies, including councillors, to participate in
discussion and vote on certain matters where, due to financial or
non-financial interests, they would otherwise be prohibited from
such participation.